Autotrophic and methylotrophic microorganisms are able to grow at the expense of one-carbon compounds (e.g. carbon dioxide, formaldehyde) as the principal carbon sources for the synthesis of cell material, using light, inorganic compounds or one-carbon compounds as energy sources. The study of the special adaptations required in aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms to sustain an autotrophic or methylotrophic mode of life is a fascinating field of research for scientists from various disciplines. Current research efforts not only focus on fundamental aspects, i.e. metabolic pathways and their regulation, ecology, energy conversion and genetics, but also the possible application of these organisms, in waste water treatment, degradation of xenobiotics, single-cell protein production, as biocatalysts for the production of fine chemicals, draws strong attention. The aim of this series is to provide annual reviews on the biochemistry, physiology, ecology, genetics, and application of microbial autotrophs and methylotrophs. The scope of the series includes all aspects of the biology of these microbes, and will deal with phototrophic and chemolithotrophic prokaryotic autotrophs, carboxydobacteria, acetogenic-, methanogenic- and methylotrophic bacteria, as well as methylotrophic eukaryotes. The exciting advances made in recent years in the study of these organisms is reflected in the chapters of this first volume which have been written by experts in the field. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the contributors for their stimulating and comprehensive chapters.

The 8th International Symposium on Microbial Growth on C1 Compounds was held at the Bahia Resort Hotel, San Diego, CA, 27 August-1 September, 1995. A total of 160 participants from 18 countries were registered. Eight Scientific Sessions were held in which 45 papers were presented, and 114 posters were displayed and discussed in 3 separate poster sessions. The Symposium covered a broad range of topics, including acetogenesis, methanogenesis, CO2 fixation, lithoautotrophy, carboxidotrophy, methylotrophy and methanotrophy. The theme of the Symposium was mechanistic, and under this rubric the physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and both applied and environmental aspects of microbial growth on C1 compounds were addressed. This Symposium Volume contains 46 chapters, including the text of an Opening Address delivered at the Symposium by J.R. Quayle. This chapter elegantly presents an historical perspective on the past 7 Symposia, in the context of major breakthroughs in the field and of what is termed giant' topics. The reader will be pleased to see that the tradition of the past Symposia Volumes is upheld, and that both familiar and new giant' topics are covered. This Volume presents a cutting edge view of the broad field of microbial one-carbon metabolism, and provides a valuable resource for researcher and student alike.

Autotrophic and methylotrophic microorganisms are able to grow at the expense of one-carbon compounds (e.g. carbon dioxide, formaldehyde) as the principal carbon sources for the synthesis of cell material, using light, inorganic compounds or one-carbon compounds as energy sources. The study of the special adaptations required in aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms to sustain an autotrophic or methylotrophic mode of life is a fascinating field of research for scientists from various disciplines. Current research efforts not only focus on fundamental aspects, i.e. metabolic pathways and their regulation, ecology, energy conversion and genetics, but also the possible application of these organisms, in waste water treatment, degradation of xenobiotics, single-cell protein production, as biocatalysts for the production of fine chemicals, draws strong attention. The aim of this series is to provide annual reviews on the biochemistry, physiology, ecology, genetics, and application of microbial autotrophs and methylotrophs. The scope of the series includes all aspects of the biology of these microbes, and will deal with phototrophic and chemolithotrophic prokaryotic autotrophs, carboxydobacteria, acetogenic-, methanogenic- and methylotrophic bacteria, as well as methylotrophic eukaryotes. The exciting advances made in recent years in the study of these organisms is reflected in the chapters of this first volume which have been written by experts in the field. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the contributors for their stimulating and comprehensive chapters.